Comparative study of the efficacy of Platelet-rich plasma combined with carboxytherapy vs its use with fractional carbon dioxide laser in atrophic acne scars.

BACKGROUND: Acne scars are a major concerning problem to all acne patients affecting their quality of life. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and fractional CO2 laser are innovative treatment modalities for acne scars. Carboxytherapy can also be used to improve scar tissue through the increase in collagen deposition and reorganization, and the improvement in skin texture and tone. AIMS: The aim of this work was to compare the efficacy, safety, and complications of the intradermal injection of PRP combined with carboxytherapy and PRP combined with fractional CO2 laser, in the treatment of atrophic acne scars. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Forty patients with atrophic acne scars were divided into 2 groups. Group A included 20 patients and was subjected to three fractional CO2 laser sessions combined with PRP injection. Group B included 20 patients and was subjected to three sessions of carboxytherapy combined with PRP injection. RESULTS: Both fractional CO2 laser and carboxytherapy combined with PRP showed improvement in acne scars and patients' satisfaction but the improvement with fractional CO2 laser was significantly better than carboxytherapy but with more side effects. CONCLUSIONS: Improvement of acne scars was noted in both treatment modalities with obvious higher and statistically significant results in favor of fractional CO2 laser but with more side effects. Carboxytherapy is a promising tool in treatment of acne scars with less complication.